Q: Can the Department of Agriculture give me the name of the best pest control company to treat my home for termites?

A: This department cannot recommend a company, but you can make an informed decision if you will follow these suggestions: Obtain at least three to four treatment estimates; contact the Better Business Bureau for information on the companies you are considering; get a signed contract before the termite treatment is performed; and contact our Pesticide Division if you want to know the status of the pest control company's license or if the person assigned to perform your treatment is properly registered. This information can also be found on our website at www.agr.state.ga.us

Q: I wash all of my fresh vegetables with soap. All raw meat and poultry are soaked and washed with salt water. My sister-in-law thinks all this washing is unnecessary. Is she right?

A: We equate washing to cleanliness. We wash clothes, cars, dishes and ourselves. So, it is logical that many people would think that meat and poultry are cleaner and safer if they are washed. However, a review of studies from several universities related to washing meat and poultry indicate that there is no benefit. In fact washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or veal Consumer Q's July 24, 2008 Page 2 before cooking is not recommended. Cooking to a temperature of 160 degrees destroys bacteria on the surface of meat and poultry. Some consumers will soak meat or poultry in salt water, but this is a personal preference and serves no purpose of food safety. Likewise, sometimes consumers will wash or soak ham, bacon, or pork because they think it reduces the sodium or salt enough to allow these products to be eaten on a sodium-restricted diet. However, washing, rinsing or soaking these products removes very little salt. On the other hand, fresh produce should be washed but only in water. Consumer should not wash fruits and vegetables with detergent or soap. These products are not approved or labeled by the Food and Drug Administration for use on foods. You could ingest residues from soap or detergent absorbed on the produce. Wash your fresh produce under cold running tap water to remove any lingering dirt. If the surface is firm, such as on apples or potatoes, it can be scrubbed with a brush.

Q: I am considering hiring a lawn care service. What should I look for in the contract?

A: When selecting a lawn care service, always get all your agreements with the company into the written contract. Then read the contract carefully. Know what specific services and lawn problems will be covered and what are not. Check for extra charges and special services, such as fertilizing, disease control, or reseeding. Find out if the work is guaranteed. If it is, get the guarantee or warranty in writing. Know what the guarantee includes and excludes, and how long it will last. Know how long the service will be performed. Have the renewal or service schedule along with the costs of renewals and cost increases written into the contract. Find out how you can cancel the contract. Make sure that the company you are considering is licensed. Special training is required for companies who apply pesticides to lawns. If you have additional questions about contracting with a lawn care service contact our commercial pesticides office at 1-800-282-5852, extension 4958.

If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Consumer Services, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or call 1-800-282-5852.